Monday, November 29, 2010
I mentioned in my last post that breastfeeding was/is kicking my butt. I had been having this feeling that something was wrong with Amelie and breastfeeding.She still looked so skinny at 4 1/2 weeks. So I went to a Lactation specialist. It turns out I was right to be worried. She was not latching properly and was having a hard time with the cradle hold. I also had low milk supply since she was not eating properly.The Lactation Specialist helped me come up with a game plan for the week. It sounded do able and easy. Everything is easier on paper! I was to start giving her supplement of formula/any expressed breast from pumping.Pump after each feeding. Listen to make sure she is swallowing and not just hanging out. Which sadly meant no more night time feeding while I slept. Do a milk supply test and do power pumping for one hour a night.Let her go no more than two hours without feeding her. Try the football hold.
I was so thankful to go home the next day and have help. My mom was able to help me with getting Amelie to latch and the football hold. I would like to say I can do the football hold on my own now but I can't. I never got the hang of it. She is doing better though with the cross-cradle hold.
On Saturday I had a pretty bad emotional break down over breast feeding. I considered just bottle feeding her and giving up.I was so upset I skipped my nail appointment with my mom (I don't think I've ever turned that down).My mom tried her best to make things better but talking about it only made me more hysterical. Robert took Amelie over to his families and kept her so I could have some alone time. I slept a little, cried a lot, and breast pumped.I had a good talk with my sister-in-law Christina who had gone through a lot of the same issues with Isobel. She made me feel better about giving Amelie supplements.
I had another appointment today and it was not as encouraging as I had hoped. She did gain one pound and is now at 9 lbs 4 oz. Still behind but a lot better. At her first appointment she ate only 1/2 oz in in ten minutes today 1 1/2 in ten minutes and over three by the end. She still is a very poky eater and might always be one since it's her style. I still need to increase my milk supply so more faithful pumping for me. I pretty much had dropped the ball on it last week.She is still going to be supplemented until we feel I have enough for her to be exclusive which may or may not happen.
So here it is week two and I'm going to try to do everything that's in my power to keep breast feeding!
I'll post about thanksgiving and put up pictures tomorrow.
5 comments:
Ugh! I know I told you this on the phone, but I totally relate and know how you feel. Breastfeeding can be really frustrating and exhausting. It sounds like things are getting better, though- she's gaining weight, getting more milk, etc., even if it's not happening as fast as you'd like.
I just read something about sleeping with your baby being GOOD for breastfeeding and milk supply. Some people think that just being near your baby all the time will help you to produce more milk. So don't feel bad about that! I also just read that if you drink TOO much water, you can decrease your milk supply. I know you've been drinking a lot of water, which is great. Just drink as much as you feel good drinking, and don't overdo it I guess. (Like you need more advice, right?? :)
Good luck! I've been thinking about you a lot and hoping you're feeling better. Give that baby girl a kiss from her Aunt Christina!
Oh, one more thing: I never got the hang of football or cradle holds with Isobel. I just did cross-cradle all the time.
You can do it! Do what is best for your little family. I have read not to drink more than one gallon of water a day (but that is for the average person - not breast feeding). Get enough rest too! Hang in there! It is a process. Enjoy the journey.
I think I hated breastfeeding for about 3 months with my first baby. But, after that, I loved it. It's so convenient (no lugging around formula and bottles), and healthy, and it gave me a special closeness with my baby girls. But it takes time to get to that point. I hope you can get to the point where you love it too!
Casey I am so sorry that you are going this! Unfortunately I can only imagine how difficult this is for you. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers!
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